My Mother's Encouragement

One day when my mother was staying with us, she said, "The Lord really helped me in my scripture reading this morning. I had prayed about a need before and believed the Lord had heard, but then I began doubting. I felt my doubting displeased the Lord. But this morning I read where John the Baptist sent word asking Jesus, 'Are you really the Christ?'

"Jesus didn't scold him by saying, 'Why, John, you shouldn't be doubting! You saw Me when the dove descended on Me and My Father said from heaven, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.'"

"Instead, Jesus sent the reassurance John the Baptist needed without reprimanding him for his lack of trust."

This was the Lord's compassionate way of reassuring Mother that He understood her doubts and was not scolding her for having them.

God allows us to have questions and often displays His mercy through the reassurances He gives.

Thank You, Jesus, that because of your great compassion You are more merciful to me than I.

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22, 23).

"But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness" (Psalm 86:15).

"I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord" (Psalm 27:13 KJV).